Soft white generally has a temperature of 2700-3000K, a cool white is 4000K or higher. Daylight is around 6500K (quite blue). A neutral white would be around 3500K. Regular incandescent light bulbs are usually 2700K, as are most of the regular compact fluorescents...so they cast a bit of a red/yellow glow...and halogens are usually 3000K, so slightly "whiter". But CFLs come in all temperatures. "Daylight" bulbs are usually cool white, so they cast a bluish glow.
A cool white is good for work areas, the kitchen, and reading. A soft white is good for bedrooms and living areas (as it makes things "warm" and makes skin tones nicer).
A cool white is good for work areas, the kitchen, and reading. A soft white is good for bedrooms and living areas (as it makes things "warm" and makes skin tones nicer).